Cervical Radio Frequency Ablation

Cervical radiofrequency ablation, or RFA for short, is a percutaneous (through the skin) procedure that uses radiofrequency heat to ablate (destroy) the nerves of the facet joints. Using heat produced by a radio frequency generator, the nerves are 'burnt' and special needles are used that have a heating tip. These nerves are only responsible for the transmitting of pain, so the removal of these nerves typically has no other harmful consequences.

RFA can be used to assist patients with chronic (long-lasting) pain in the lower back and neck and pain associated with joint degeneration due to arthritis.